Grassley expects Kavanaugh hearings to begin in September

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said he expects to hold hearings on Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination in September, and possibly have Kavanaugh confirmed by early October:

Grassley said he doesn't have an exact date for when hearings on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court would be held, but that he is anticipating it will be in September.

"Sometime during September, but the earlier the better," Grassley said.

Grassley reiterated that it typically takes between 65 and 70 days on average from the time the President announces a nominee until the time that someone is confirmed. Much of the time is reserved for document review and collection, a process that is expected to take time given Kavanaugh's long legal record and a process that has become politicized on Capitol Hill as Democrats have argued they want to see more documentation surrounding Kavanaugh's time in the Bush White House.

"If we could get this all done by October 1 when the Supreme Court starts its new fall session it would be ideal, but I think we can get it done soon after that if we don't get it done by October the first."

This assumes all goes well, and Democrats don't find a way to slow the process down. It's in their political interest to do so. Every day they can delay hearings and a full Senate vote puts them that much closer to Election Day, when they hope a "blue wave" will put them in control of the Senate...in January. If it happens at all.

But even with delays, obstruction, and not a little outrage, a united GOP Senate will confirm Kavanaugh. Maintaining that unity is key -- with a one vote Senate majority, Republicans have no room for error, let alone defections. What will keep them on track? Public pressure...meaning your Senators needs to hear from you.